The Energon Pub

AcademyofDrX wrote:

Rtron wrote:

AcademyofDrX wrote:

Rtron wrote:I'm afraid that the non-answer from the designers might mean that they are aware of the yellowing problem, but that corporate doesn't want them to fix it because it might cost them money or some such crap.

If I was that cynical, I wouldn't bother to collect toys anymore. I'm not going to pretend that Hasbro doesn't want to keep costs down, but if a problem like this is systemic, allowing it to continue will kill demand over time. I still think it's product-specific and people are generalizing too much, but that's an opinion statement.

Many of the people in those positions of power don't really care about long term profits. I hope I'm wrong, but there's past behaviours even from Hasbro itself that give me pause when it comes to these things. Gold Plastic Syndrome didn't really kill demand, though, and it's worse.

GPS was from an era where toys were considered much more disposable than now, and there was minimal marketing of the product to adult collectors. I do not think Hasbro's product management from thirty years ago is a good comparison. To your broader point, I doubt it's a priority to senior executives either way, but a handful of universally flawed figures over the last decade isn't a deal breaker for me in any event.

I'm comparing it with Hasbro's management now, not the one from 30 years ago. Look at what's going on with Power Rangers and Magic the Gathering, they really don't seem to care if you stay or not. What I said about GPS was meant to point out how fans will probably buy stuff in spite of product breaking defects, not an attempt to compare management was to how it is. Perhaps I should have composed my previous post a bit differently.

Can anyone tell in this photo of my NF Soundwave if his upper legs have yellowed?
I think it’s visible in the image, but that gray is slightly darker than the gray of his forearms (and his feet).

Sowndwave76 wrote:Can anyone tell in this photo of my NF Soundwave if his upper legs have yellowed?
I think it’s visible in the image, but that gray is slightly darker than the gray of his forearms (and his feet).

Doesn't look yellowed to me. Looks to be right as rain.

Sabrblade wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:Can anyone tell in this photo of my NF Soundwave if his upper legs have yellowed?
I think it’s visible in the image, but that gray is slightly darker than the gray of his forearms (and his feet).

Doesn't look yellowed to me. Looks to be right as rain.

Does "yellowed" gray plastic get darker? Or literally end up with a yellow tint?
Interesting that the upper legs and gray of the elbow joints are slightly darker.

Sowndwave76 wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:Can anyone tell in this photo of my NF Soundwave if his upper legs have yellowed?
I think it’s visible in the image, but that gray is slightly darker than the gray of his forearms (and his feet).

Doesn't look yellowed to me. Looks to be right as rain.

Does "yellowed" gray plastic get darker? Or literally end up with a yellow tint?
Interesting that the upper legs and gray of the elbow joints are slightly darker.

In my experience, it's a darker yellow tint to it. I know the WFC Siege Megatron figures I've gotten and even the Earthrise one have started to develop a bit of a yellow tint too. Some of my older Jurassic Park figures (Kenner years) got it as well.

Primarily the yellow is on the thighs and the sword for now. I'm hoping it doesn't get worse though. I am also considering repainting too to see if that stops the spread.

Also, just wanted to share a rumor...
In an Instagram post (this morning) of a product shot of SS86 Frenzy, the caption included the person questioning if this Frenzy release at all verifies the rumor of a SS86 Commander Class Soundwave.

I'm not even going to begin speculating what a CC Soundwave would need to involve, include, etc.
However, it has been mentioned by a Hastak designer that he had a want to make a new Soundwave mold that would be as tall as Kingdom/Legacy Blaster.
And I'm not trying to re-debate whether or not a new Soundwave is a good idea.
But I will say it seems to me that this rumor could be a distortion of a realistic possibility of a Leader class Soundwave.
I do think these new SS86 cassette figures are at least a slight nudge to designers to make a new Soundwave.
This in turn could lead to more cassette figures, even if ones like Overkill and Slugfest don't end up in S86. I get it, they're almost too small for Core class. But they're not horrible Core class releases, and for many collectors, a Cassette bot is more likely a purchase than a Core version of a figure who would normally be deluxe-scale or larger.
Plus part of the design task is already framed-in because the tape alt mode and its dimensions are already sorted.

If a Leader class Springer (even released in the mainline) ends up confirmed, then I'm calling it now that a Leader class Soundwave isn't far behind.

Tyrannacon wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:Can anyone tell in this photo of my NF Soundwave if his upper legs have yellowed?
I think it’s visible in the image, but that gray is slightly darker than the gray of his forearms (and his feet).

Doesn't look yellowed to me. Looks to be right as rain.

Does "yellowed" gray plastic get darker? Or literally end up with a yellow tint?
Interesting that the upper legs and gray of the elbow joints are slightly darker.

In my experience, it's a darker yellow tint to it. I know the WFC Siege Megatron figures I've gotten and even the Earthrise one have started to develop a bit of a yellow tint too. Some of my older Jurassic Park figures (Kenner years) got it as well.

Primarily the yellow is on the thighs and the sword for now. I'm hoping it doesn't get worse though. I am also considering repainting too to see if that stops the spread.

Thanks for the info.
While I think this Soundwave is good, unfortunately that could start changing any day now.

Sowndwave76 wrote:Also, just wanted to share a rumor...
In an Instagram post (this morning) of a product shot of SS86 Frenzy, the caption included the person questioning if this Frenzy release at all verifies the rumor of a SS86 Commander Class Soundwave.

I'm not even going to begin speculating what a CC Soundwave would need to involve, include, etc.
However, it has been mentioned by a Hastak designer that he had a want to make a new Soundwave mold that would be as tall as Kingdom/Legacy Blaster.
And I'm not trying to re-debate whether or not a new Soundwave is a good idea.
But I will say it seems to me that this rumor could be a distortion of a realistic possibility of a Leader class Soundwave.
I do think these new SS86 cassette figures are at least a slight nudge to designers to make a new Soundwave.
This in turn could lead to more cassette figures, even if ones like Overkill and Slugfest don't end up in S86. I get it, they're almost too small for Core class. But they're not horrible Core class releases, and for many collectors, a Cassette bot is more likely a purchase than a Core version of a figure who would normally be deluxe-scale or larger.
Plus part of the design task is already framed-in because the tape alt mode and its dimensions are already sorted.

If a Leader class Springer (even released in the mainline) ends up confirmed, then I'm calling it now that a Leader class Soundwave isn't far behind.

Yeah, I'm with you. Soundwave need be no more expensive than a Leader. A Commander class Soundwave would just be nuts.

Sabrblade wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:Also, just wanted to share a rumor...
In an Instagram post (this morning) of a product shot of SS86 Frenzy, the caption included the person questioning if this Frenzy release at all verifies the rumor of a SS86 Commander Class Soundwave.

I'm not even going to begin speculating what a CC Soundwave would need to involve, include, etc.
However, it has been mentioned by a Hastak designer that he had a want to make a new Soundwave mold that would be as tall as Kingdom/Legacy Blaster.
And I'm not trying to re-debate whether or not a new Soundwave is a good idea.
But I will say it seems to me that this rumor could be a distortion of a realistic possibility of a Leader class Soundwave.
I do think these new SS86 cassette figures are at least a slight nudge to designers to make a new Soundwave.
This in turn could lead to more cassette figures, even if ones like Overkill and Slugfest don't end up in S86. I get it, they're almost too small for Core class. But they're not horrible Core class releases, and for many collectors, a Cassette bot is more likely a purchase than a Core version of a figure who would normally be deluxe-scale or larger.
Plus part of the design task is already framed-in because the tape alt mode and its dimensions are already sorted.

If a Leader class Springer (even released in the mainline) ends up confirmed, then I'm calling it now that a Leader class Soundwave isn't far behind.

Yeah, I'm with you. Soundwave need be no more expensive than a Leader. A Commander class Soundwave would just be nuts.

A Commander Class Soundwave would be absolutely stupid...
For one, minus Core class, SS86's mantra is "Detail, Scale, Backdrop".
Soundwave should be as tall as Megatron at best.
So at an appropriate size, he doesn't need crazy engineering or a ton of parts.
Would it be kind of nice if he was packaged with 4-5 Cassetticons? Maybe, but that's not at all legit reason to use a Commander Class slot.
Like I said, Cassette characters are pretty decent figures for Core class.
Either way, that rumor is clearly false. It has to be.

*sorry, I thought I was editing/adding to my last post.

IF Soundwave gets a new figure, I'm betting he'll be packed with one cassette at the most.
A new mold, hopefully improved appearance, slightly increased size, engineering, etc. will eat up a lot of the budget in Hastak's eyes.

Sowndwave76 wrote:*sorry, I thought I was editing/adding to my last post.

IF Soundwave gets a new figure, I'm betting he'll be packed with one cassette at the most.
A new mold, hopefully improved appearance, slightly increased size, engineering, etc. will eat up a lot of the budget in Hastak's eyes.

There actually was a leaked product listing a while ago for a new Leader Soundwave, but it was for Legacy rather than SS86. This listing didn't specify which version of Soundwave it is, it could be Machine Wars Soundwave from the Earthrise Doubledealer mould for all we know, but I do hope it is indeed a new G1 version because I no longer own the Siege/Legacy or Netflix versions. What I'd really like is a new version of Ravage, I never liked the Siege/Netflix version.

Testify on a new Ravage! I always said HasTak can take the BB Ravage and re-tool the figure and give us something decent....'nuff said!!!

Munkky wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:*sorry, I thought I was editing/adding to my last post.

IF Soundwave gets a new figure, I'm betting he'll be packed with one cassette at the most.
A new mold, hopefully improved appearance, slightly increased size, engineering, etc. will eat up a lot of the budget in Hastak's eyes.

There actually was a leaked product listing a while ago for a new Leader Soundwave, but it was for Legacy rather than SS86. This listing didn't specify which version of Soundwave it is, it could be Machine Wars Soundwave from the Earthrise Doubledealer mould for all we know, but I do hope it is indeed a new G1 version because I no longer own the Siege/Legacy or Netflix versions. What I'd really like is a new version of Ravage, I never liked the Siege/Netflix version.

I remember that now that you've mentioned it.
While I would hope a new G1 Soundwave would end up in the SS86 subline, who knows, maybe Hastak wants to package him with a Cassette character who wasn't in the movie.
But I won't be at all surprised if it's a Soundwave from a different series.
If the Doubledealer mold works, no doubt Hastak will want to milk that for what they can.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:

chuckdawg1999 wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Once again I'm more confused than a baby in a topless club, does Commander Class Ultra Magnus break apart like in the movie or was that a mistake because they were handling an early prototype that broke?

I’m assuming that’s an intentional design feature.
Especially considering what happens to him in the movie.
Similar to what they did for the Kup design.

Oh great, a $100 toy that will start falling apart a month after purchase. That is unless they've refined the feature.

Come on, Chuck, you know better than me that overall, Hastak’s QC is getting better, not worse.
Even with an occasional exception, such as SS86 Sludge, the issues I’ve had with recent figures are extremely minor, and rare. I’m looking around my shelves right now, and Selects Cyclonus is the only one I can think of that has any issue that would be worth mentioning.
I don’t really consider slightly wobbly CW combiners as “recent” figures.
I’m confident this new Ultra Magnus will be solid and on point, including the joints, features, etc.

Really? I see it getting worse, especially with the plastic yellowing. Almost everyone that has the original or BB release of Kup has complained about one or more of the limbs falling off the pegs.

I think the bigger complaint is that Kups and Blurrs are STILL shelfwarming around me. I found them both at a Walmart I don't usually visit over the weekend!

Sowndwave76 wrote:Also, just wanted to share a rumor...
In an Instagram post (this morning) of a product shot of SS86 Frenzy, the caption included the person questioning if this Frenzy release at all verifies the rumor of a SS86 Commander Class Soundwave

sighs in G1 fatigue

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:Also, just wanted to share a rumor...
In an Instagram post (this morning) of a product shot of SS86 Frenzy, the caption included the person questioning if this Frenzy release at all verifies the rumor of a SS86 Commander Class Soundwave

sighs in G1 fatigue

Plus, Netflix Soundwave will do just fine: the SS Cassettes are the same size as the WFC ones.

Munkky wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:*sorry, I thought I was editing/adding to my last post.

IF Soundwave gets a new figure, I'm betting he'll be packed with one cassette at the most.
A new mold, hopefully improved appearance, slightly increased size, engineering, etc. will eat up a lot of the budget in Hastak's eyes.

There actually was a leaked product listing a while ago for a new Leader Soundwave, but it was for Legacy rather than SS86. This listing didn't specify which version of Soundwave it is, it could be Machine Wars Soundwave from the Earthrise Doubledealer mould for all we know, but I do hope it is indeed a new G1 version because I no longer own the Siege/Legacy or Netflix versions. What I'd really like is a new version of Ravage, I never liked the Siege/Netflix version.

As much as I want that Soundwave, I feel like it's better suited for Selects. Now Cybertron Soundwave with Laserbeak and transforming weapons, that would be Leader worthy since I'm really not a fan of the original and I don't think it's aged very well (I've never liked the kibble arms or the skinny legs that don't pose well).

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

Munkky wrote:

Sowndwave76 wrote:*sorry, I thought I was editing/adding to my last post.

IF Soundwave gets a new figure, I'm betting he'll be packed with one cassette at the most.
A new mold, hopefully improved appearance, slightly increased size, engineering, etc. will eat up a lot of the budget in Hastak's eyes.

There actually was a leaked product listing a while ago for a new Leader Soundwave, but it was for Legacy rather than SS86. This listing didn't specify which version of Soundwave it is, it could be Machine Wars Soundwave from the Earthrise Doubledealer mould for all we know, but I do hope it is indeed a new G1 version because I no longer own the Siege/Legacy or Netflix versions. What I'd really like is a new version of Ravage, I never liked the Siege/Netflix version.

As much as I want that Soundwave, I feel like it's better suited for Selects. Now Cybertron Soundwave with Laserbeak and transforming weapons, that would be Leader worthy since I'm really not a fan of the original and I don't think it's aged very well (I've never liked the kibble arms or the skinny legs that don't pose well).

Emerje

Agreed

Not to go down this road again. lol
But I really have no need for a Leader Soundwave, nor do I feel it's needed for his rather simplistic transformation. And if they wanted to do an all new tape deck specific mold that isn't anything else it can be done as a Voyager. I'd rather have an all new Laserbeak and Ravage mold.

IF they do a leader Soundwave and IF it's the same size as the Netflix Soundwave and Blaster, watch the evening news, I'm gonna be on it!

chuckdawg1999 wrote:IF they do a leader Soundwave and IF it's the same size as the Netflix Soundwave and Blaster, watch the evening news, I'm gonna be on it!

I'm going to bet if it happens, he'll be as tall as Blaster just as one of the designers had said.
Which would improve the overall proportions compared to these previous releases.
Not to mention, it would be sans those stupid landing gear parts on the forearms, probably affording proper forearm covers.
And finally, it would be free of any of that unnecessary, over-done Siege greebling.

Let's all keep in mind that the designer quote about making a new Soundwave that's as tall as Kingdom/Legacy Blaster was in regards to a possible Studio Series 86 Soundwave, while the listing for a new Leader Soundwave is for Legacy, which could mean it's not necessarily G1 Soundwave but one of his many non-G1 namesakes.

I just got Brawn and he's actually quite good. His only true flaw is his head is way too tight so to be able to turn it, you have to undo the chest transformation a bit. Appart that he's pretty much fantastic. Here he is, along his previous G1 and classics selves.

Never mentioned it a while back when I started seeing more photos of Brawn, but early on when I stated his head is too small, it’s been designed a bit narrower so it can be turned.
Still not a fan of how that looks, but good to hear overall he’s a solid figure.

Nice review, Chuck!
Wanted to see a couple comparisons with other figures, but my copy will be here by this evening anyway.

I would still say his head is a bit too small.
For me, that was a funny and yet appealing aspect of this character—
having child-like proportions, yet being a brute with awesome strength.
You see it in the character model, but also in pretty much very scene, like these:





I can admit this is a minor nit-pick…. Overall he still looks fantastic.
And after watching this review, I’m becoming even more okay with his legs and feet.

Chuck, it’s like you were reading my mind—
We have reached a point, or peak, for some of these characters/figures.
I completely agree with a couple thoughts in your commentary;
It could be a decade before we see some of these characters again in their full G1 appearance glory.
What I’ll add to this is related to a point I made in a previous post—
Hastak has to know that people our age (40+) may be closing-in on collector retirement.
It’s going to take some really special figures (even if that’s “special” for me on a personal level) past the year 2025 for me to stay in the game.
Of course, 2026 is the 40th anniversary of the movie…
But I would be shocked if we get almost any of these SS86 figures in new molds even for that occasion.
I personally think that’s when we may see a new Devastator.
The main point being, I agree that the next versions of these characters aren’t going to be attempts of improvement(s)…
These SS86 figures are truly going to be tough to top. To where I don’t even see reason in trying.
I’m totally with Chuck in thinking the next time we see a character like Brawn, it will either be highly stylized, tied to an appearance-compromising play gimmick, or he'll be a mold mate in which the mold used doesn’t work well in creating a G1 accurate look.

I also thought this subline would be done by now…
My gut feeling is next year could be the last. Other than Swoop, I think it’s pretty telling that we’re going back to a character like Sunstreaker…. Nothing wrong with him; I’m very much looking forward to that release.
But the list of characters left to make from the movie is pretty much complete…
My prediction is SS86 is gone starting in 2025…
Making any G1 release even more enticing for the big anniversary the following year of ‘26.